THE High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining a complainant from posting social media videos about an ongoing criminal case to protect the integrity of the court and ensure a fair trial.
Ana Masere appeared before High Court Judge Justice Sunil Sharma on January 27, 2026.
She is charged with two counts of causing harm by posting electronic communication, two counts of indecently annoying a person, and one count of breaching bail conditions.
The charges stem from a TikTok video allegedly posted by Ms Masere containing disparaging comments about the complainant, Ashika Sharma, who reportedly attempted to commit suicide following the post.
Defence counsel Mohammed Saneem filed an application for an injunction to restrain the complainant and state witness, Ashika Sharma (also known as “Electra”), from posting further videos on social media regarding the case.
The court heard that the complainant had been posting videos of Ms Masere behind bars using filters.
Mr Saneem told the court that these “TikTok battles” would predetermine the matter and that other witnesses would be scared to come forward for fear of being victimised on social media by Ms Sharma.
He further submitted that the protection of the court’s integrity was critical, noting that the complainant had posted a video 15 hours prior to the hearing.
State lawyer Joeli Nasa described the application as peculiar and requested time to respond.
While Mr Nasa said he would speak to the complainant, he told the court he could not simply concede without watching the video.
Justice Sharma responded that the court could not stand by and watch while this continued to happen, adding that it was not the court’s problem whether the prosecutor had watched the video or not.
In delivering his ruling, Justice Sharma emphasised that because proceedings are ongoing, it is important to maintain the integrity of the court as matters before the court cannot be discussed publicly.
“Upon hearing the applicant’s counsel and upon hearing the state counsel and upon hearing the affidavit of Ana Masere dated 27th January, in order to preserve the integrity of the court’s proceedings and to protect the interests of the applicant in attainment of justice through fair trial, it is of utmost importance that the prosecution witness Ashika Sharma also known as Electra is restrained by herself from publishing, posting, sharing or disseminating on social media any statements concerning the proceedings in the court or the applicant Miss Ana Masere until further order of the court,” Justice Sharma said.
“This order is issued on an interim basis which is subject to modification.”
The case has been adjourned to February 20.
